At least one member of the Thompson Rivers University men’s basketball program won’t have an excuse not to remember the team’s nickname.   That’s because his last name is part of “WolfPack.” Head coach Scott Clark has announced the signing of his fifth recruit for 2011-12.  Guard Derek Wolf of Penticton has committed to Thompson Rivers.  He will begin working on his Bachelor of Science degree with an eye to Education starting in September of this year. Derek Wolf “I decided to go to TRU for many reasons,” he explains.  “ Moving from a smaller city to a smaller university is a better fit for me. I can achieve all of my educational goals there. On the court, coach Clark will demand the best of of me. I met the players and I just felt I will fit in there.” “Del (assistant coach and South Kamloops Titans head coach Komarniski) saw him play initially,” says Clark. “ He is a really hard working kid.  He will come in as a true freshman and back up Kevin Pribilsky (4^th year, guard, Victoria, BC) and learn the position from scratch.” Kevin Pribilsky Wolf knows that freshmen likely get very few minutes on the court in their first year.  “ I can help the Men’s basketball program by showing up prepared and doing everything I can in my off season to get strong. Once the season starts, I’ll compete for my court time and push myself to improve. “ Wolf, who is 6’1” averaged 20 points, eight assists and six rebounds for the Pen High Lakers.   “Like all players out of high school, he’ll have to improve his body as time goes on,” says Clark. “He is quite skilled and a good shooter. He’ll fit in well with us.  And as a bonus, he is a good student. He is a quality guy and the type of individual we want to add to our organization.” David Nackoney has worked with Wolf at Pen High both as the senior boys basket ball coach and in the gym. He agrees that Wolf’s work ethic is unparalleled.  “ He lives in the gym. As a point guard, he has the ability to shoot the three and break you down. He was our coach on the floor. At times, we needed Derek to score and other times we needed him to get others involved. He could really do what we asked.” He feels that Wolf will be a solid CIS player.  “ He has a good build to be a CIS guard. I think eventually he will be able to lead at CIS team with playmaking ability or passing. He is a very solid athlete who should be able to contribute in many ways.” Wolf came to Kamloops during his Spring Break to work out with current members of the Pack and other prospects.  “ I felt welcomed and wished I could have started right then and there.  I know I will fit in with Coach Clark because I’m a hard worker and I like his expectations and philosophy on being a successful ball player.” Clark adds that having someone from the Interior electing to stay and play high level basketball is key. “ Whenever we can keep the local guys around should be a mandate of our university and program.” DOUBLE DRIBBLES:  Wolf was impressed with something he saw while visiting TRU.  “ The Strength of the Wolf is the Pack and the Strength of the Pack is the Wolf.  I saw this quote on a poster in Kamloops and I thought it was a fun saying especially for me.” High School coach Nackoney said after working out with TRU earlier this month in Kamloops,Wolf’s family got in late.  At 6:30 am the next morning, Wolf was in the Pen High gym working out.   I think Derek will turn out to be a solid five year player at the CIS level. He is coming in as a very young graduate. He has the skills but is still young. I see him continuing to really improve and be an impact player in CIS.”